Mice and rats leave droppings, urine and nests in attics, crawl spaces, garages and walls. Rodent droppings cleanup safely removes the contamination, which can carry diseases including hantavirus in some areas, and replaces soiled insulation.
Professionals wet the droppings before removal, as the CDC advises, rather than sweeping or vacuuming them dry, and they use respirators in enclosed spaces.
When you need rodent droppings cleanup
- Droppings in the attic, crawl space or garage
- Soiled insulation or nests in walls
- A musty or urine smell
- After pest control has removed the rodents
What the job involves
- Make sure rodents have been removed and entry points sealed by pest control.
- Wet droppings, urine and nests with disinfectant.
- Remove contaminated insulation and debris.
- Disinfect surfaces and dispose of waste.
- Replace insulation where it was removed.
What affects the cost
Sifixit does not quote prices, because every job is different. These are the things that move the price up or down, so you can compare quotes fairly:
- Area of attic or crawl space affected
- Insulation removal and replacement
- Access and height
- Number of nests
Insurance
Insurance usually excludes rodent damage as a maintenance issue. Some policies cover sudden damage, such as chewed wiring that caused a fire.
Licensing by state
Rules differ a lot between states. Here is who licenses this work in the states Sifixit covers most. Always ask for the license number and check it with the state.
- Most states do not license biohazard cleanup companies, so ask about bloodborne pathogen training, insurance and how they dispose of waste.
- California requires trauma scene waste management practitioners to register with the state.
- Florida regulates biomedical waste handling through the Department of Health.
Read our guide: how to clean up rodent droppings safely.
Local help for rodent droppings cleanup
- Biohazard cleanup in Denver, CO
- Biohazard cleanup in Sacramento, CA
- Biohazard cleanup in San Francisco, CA
- Biohazard cleanup in Arlington, TX
- Biohazard cleanup in Atlanta, GA
- Biohazard cleanup in Aurora, CO
Quick answers: rodent droppings cleanup
Can I clean rodent droppings myself?
Small amounts, using the CDC wet cleaning steps. Attics and large amounts need professionals.
Are rodent droppings dangerous?
They can carry diseases, including hantavirus in some areas.
Does insulation need replacing?
Often, if it is heavily soiled with droppings and urine.
Does insurance cover rodent cleanup?
Usually not.
Who cleans up rodent droppings?
A biohazard cleanup company, with pest control to remove the rodents. Sifixit can connect you with local providers.
Looking for rodent droppings cleanup? Call the number on this page to be connected with an independent local provider. For more background, see OSHA’s bloodborne pathogens guidance.
This site is a free service to assist homeowners in connecting with local service contractors. All contractors are independent and this site does not warrant or guarantee any work performed. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to verify that the hired contractor furnishes the necessary license and insurance required for the work being performed. All persons depicted in a photo or video are actors or models and not contractors listed on this site.
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